U.S. patent number 7,674,980 [Application Number 11/379,442] was granted by the patent office on 2010-03-09 for tapered transition ramp for cable protector.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Peterson Systems International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Thomas M. Lubanski.
United States Patent |
7,674,980 |
Lubanski |
March 9, 2010 |
Tapered transition ramp for cable protector
Abstract
An exemplary cable protection system is disclosed comprising a
first cable protector structured to receive one or more cables, a
first side ramp adjacent a side of the first cable protector, and a
tapered structure adjacent an end of the first side ramp. The
tapered structure may be tapered in both a first direction and a
second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first
direction. The tapered structure may also comprise a substantially
planar top surface and may be removably attached to, or integrally
formed with, the first side ramp. The cable protection system may
also comprise a second cable protector connected in series with the
first cable protector and a second side ramp adjacent a side of the
second cable protector. The tapered structure may be configured to
overlap at least a portion of the second side ramp, which may have
a steeper slope than the first side ramp.
Inventors: |
Lubanski; Thomas M. (Claremont,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Peterson Systems International,
Inc. (Duarte, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
38618407 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/379,442 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2006 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20070248412 A1 |
Oct 25, 2007 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
174/97; 174/72C;
174/68.1; 174/101; 14/69.5; 104/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02G
9/025 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H02G
3/30 (20060101); H02G 3/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;174/101,135,97,50,70R,72C,72A,99R,68.1,70C,95,481,482,484
;220/3.2,3.3 ;248/74.1,74.2,68.1 ;14/69.5 ;104/275
;138/103,105,106,110,115,157 ;D13/155 ;439/120,203,212,216
;52/220.5 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Estrada; Angel R
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Holland & Hart
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A cable protection system, comprising: a first cable protector
having a first side; at least one channel extending between
opposing ends of the first cable protector and structured to
receive at least one cable; a first side ramp adjacent the first
side of the first cable protector; a tapered structure adjacent at
least one end of the first side ramp; wherein the tapered structure
comprises a planar top surface that is continuously tapered in both
a first direction and a second direction.
2. The cable protection system of claim 1, wherein the first
direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction.
3. The cable protection system of claim 1, wherein the tapered
structure comprises a substantially planar top surface.
4. The cable protection system of claim 1, wherein the tapered
structure is removably attachable to the first side ramp.
5. The cable protection system of claim 1, wherein the tapered
structure is integrally formed with the first side ramp.
6. The cable protection system of claim 1, wherein the tapered
structure is substantially triangular in shape.
7. The cable protection system of claim 1, wherein the tapered
structure comprises at least one rounded end.
8. The cable protection system of claim 1, further comprising: a
second cable protector connected in series with the first cable
protector, the second cable protector comprising a first side; a
second side ramp adjacent the first side of the second cable
protector, the second side ramp configured to have a slope that is
steeper than a slope of the first side ramp; wherein the tapered
structure is configured to overlap at least a portion of the second
side ramp.
9. The cable protection system of claim 8, wherein the tapered
structure provides a gradual transition between: an end of the
first side ramp and a surface beneath the cable protection system;
and the first side of the second cable protector and the surface
beneath the cable protection system.
10. The cable protection system of claim 8, wherein at least one of
the first cable protector, the second cable protector, the first
side ramp, the second side ramp, and the tapered structure
comprises a substantially transparent material capable of being
illuminated by a light source.
11. A tapered transition ramp for a cable protection system,
comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; a first end; at least
one connector provided at the first end and configured to removably
attach the tapered transition ramp to a first side ramp of the
cable protection system; wherein the top surface is a planar
surface that is continuously tapered in both a first direction and
a second direction.
12. The tapered transition ramp of claim 11, wherein the first
direction is substantially orthogonal to the second direction.
13. The tapered transition ramp of claim 11, wherein the top
surface is substantially planar.
14. The tapered transition ramp of claim 11, wherein the tapered
transition ramp is substantially triangular in shape.
15. The tapered transition ramp of claim 11, further comprising a
rounded second end.
16. The tapered transition ramp of claim 11, further comprising an
overlapping side portion configured to overlap at least a portion
of a second side ramp of the cable protection system.
17. The tapered transition ramp of claim 11, further comprising a
substantially transparent material capable of being illuminated by
a light source.
18. A method of assembling a cable protection system, comprising:
providing a first cable protector having a first side; providing a
first side ramp adjacent the first side of the first cable
protector; providing a tapered structure adjacent at least one end
of the first side ramp; wherein the tapered structure comprises a
planar top surface that is continuously tapered in both a first
direction and a second direction.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein providing the first side ramp
adjacent the first side of the first cable protector comprises
removably attaching the first side ramp to the first side of the
first cable protector.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein providing the tapered structure
adjacent at least one end of the first side ramp comprises
removably attaching the tapered structure to at least one end of
the first side ramp.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein providing the tapered structure
adjacent at least one end of the first side ramp comprises
integrally forming the tapered structure with the first side
ramp.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the first direction is
substantially orthogonal to the second direction.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein the tapered structure comprises
a substantially planar top surface.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein the tapered structure is
substantially triangular in shape.
25. The method of claim 18, wherein the tapered structure comprises
at least one rounded end.
26. A method of assembling a cable protection system, comprising:
providing a first cable protector having a first side; providing a
first side ramp adjacent the first side of the first cable
protector; providing a tapered structure adjacent at least one end
of the first side ramp; wherein the tapered structure is tapered in
both a first direction and a second direction removably attaching a
second cable protector in series with the first cable protector;
providing a second side ramp adjacent a first side of the second
cable protector, the second side ramp configured to have a slope
that is steeper than a slope of the first side ramp; overlapping
the tapered structure over at least a portion of the second side
ramp.
27. A cable protection system, comprising: a first cable protector
having a first side; at least one channel extending between
opposing ends of the first cable protector and structured to
receive at least one cable; a first side ramp removably attached to
the first side of the first cable protector; a second cable
protector connected in series with the first cable protector, the
second cable protector comprising a first side; a second side ramp
adjacent the first side of the second cable protector, the second
side ramp configured to have a slope that is steeper than a slope
of the first side ramp; a tapered structure removably attached to
at least one end of the first side ramp and configured to overlap
at least a portion of the second side ramp; wherein the tapered
structure comprises a substantially planar top surface and is
tapered in both a first direction and a second direction
substantially orthogonal to the first direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The instant disclosure relates generally to cable protectors and
cable protection systems.
BACKGROUND
Over the years, various devices and apparatuses have been developed
in an effort to protect hoses, cables, wiring, and the like from
physical damage. In particular, numerous cable protector designs
have been developed to protect cabling extending across walkways,
roadways, and construction sites from physical damage caused by
pedestrians, vehicular traffic, and other such external elements.
Cable protectors have also proven useful in helping to minimize the
risk of pedestrians tripping over such cabling. For the purposes of
this disclosure, the terms "cable" and "cabling" shall be broadly
construed to include data cables, hoses, electrical wiring,
telephone cables, conduits, optical fibers, pneumatic tubing,
plumbing, and any other length of material.
Conventional cable protectors typically include one or more
channels extending in parallel between opposing ends of the cable
protector to receive one or more cables. Side ramps may extend
laterally outward from, or may be removably attachable to, the
sides of the cable protector to allow vehicles and the like to roll
over the top of the cable protector. In some cases, these side
ramps are configured to have a relatively gradual slope so that a
wheelchair, walker, or the like can pass over the cable protector
with minimal effort. In accordance with guidelines established by
the Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), many conventional
cable protectors and ramps are also equipped with side rails to
prevent people or wheelchairs from slipping off the sides of the
cable protector or side ramp. These side rails are typically
positioned substantially parallel to the ends of the cable
protector and/or side ramp.
Although conventional side rails are generally effective in
preventing wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like from
sliding off the ends of the ramp, these rails may limit the range
of use of the cable protector. For example, the conventional
parallel configuration of side rails, which typically extend at
least two inches above the cable protector's surface, mandates that
a user of a wheelchair, walker, stroller, or the like approach the
cable protector in a direction substantially parallel to the side
rails. In other words, conventional side rails may prevent users of
wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers from approaching the cable
protector and/or side ramp from directions or angles that intersect
with the parallel side rails. Similarly, the parallel configuration
of these side rails requires that such users travel in a
substantially straight line over the cable protector and side ramps
in order to avoid a collision with the side rails.
Accordingly, a need exists for a cable protection system in which
users of wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like may approach
and cross over the system from a wider range of directions and
angles.
SUMMARY
According to at least one embodiment, a cable protection system
comprises a first cable protector having a first side, at least one
channel extending between opposing ends of the first cable
protector and structured to receive at least one cable, a first
side ramp adjacent the first side of the first cable protector, and
a tapered structure adjacent at least one end of the first side
ramp. The tapered structure may be tapered in both a first
direction and a second direction, and the first direction may be
substantially orthogonal to the second direction.
In certain embodiments, the tapered structure comprises a
substantially planar top surface. The tapered structure may also be
removably attachable to, or integrally formed with, the first side
ramp. The tapered structure may be substantially triangular in
shape, may comprise at least one rounded end, or may be formed in
any number of other suitable shapes and sizes.
In at least one embodiment, the cable protection system further
comprises a second cable protector having a first side connected in
series with the first cable protector and a second side ramp
adjacent the first side of the second cable protector. The second
side ramp may be configured to have a slope that is steeper than a
slope of the first side ramp and the tapered structure may be
configured to overlap at least a portion of the second side ramp.
In many embodiments, the tapered structure provides a gradual
transition between: 1) an end of the first side ramp and a surface
beneath the cable protection system; and 2) the first side of the
second cable protector and the surface beneath the cable protection
system.
According to certain embodiments, a tapered transition ramp for a
cable protection system comprises a top surface, a bottom surface,
a first end, and at least one connector provided at the first end
and configured to removably attach the tapered transition ramp to a
first side ramp of the cable protection system. The top surface of
the tapered transition ramp may be tapered in both a first
direction and a second direction, with the first direction
substantially orthogonal to the second direction. The top surface
may also be configured to be substantially planar.
The tapered transition ramp may be substantially triangular in
shape, may comprise a rounded second end, or may be formed in any
number of other suitable shapes and sizes. The tapered transition
ramp may also further comprise an overlapping side portion
configured to overlap at least a portion of a second side ramp of
the cable protection system.
In at least one embodiment, an exemplary method of assembling a
cable protection system comprises providing a first cable protector
having a first side, providing a first side ramp adjacent the first
side of the first cable protector, and providing a tapered
structure adjacent at least one end of the first side ramp. The
tapered structure may be tapered in both a first direction and a
second direction, with the first direction substantially orthogonal
to the second direction. The tapered structure may comprise a
substantially planar top surface and may be substantially
triangular in shape, may comprise at least one rounded end, or may
be formed in any number of other suitable shapes and sizes.
According to certain embodiments, the step of providing the first
side ramp adjacent the first side of the first cable protector
comprises removably attaching the first side ramp to the first side
of the first cable protector. In addition, the step of providing
the tapered structure adjacent at least one end of the first side
ramp may comprise removably attaching the tapered structure to at
least one end of the first side ramp. Similarly, the step of
providing the tapered structure adjacent at least one end of the
first side ramp may comprise integrally forming the tapered
structure with the first side ramp.
In at least one embodiment the method further comprises removably
attaching a second cable protector in series with the first cable
protector, providing a second side ramp adjacent a first side of
the second cable protector, with the second side ramp configured to
have a slope that is steeper than a slope of the first side ramp,
and overlapping the tapered structure over at least a portion of
the second side ramp.
Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in
combination with one another in accordance with the general
principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features
and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the
following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary
embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the
following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain
various principles of the instant disclosure.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cable protection system
according to at least one embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the exemplary cable
protection system illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a partially assembled perspective view of the exemplary
cable protection system illustrated in FIG. 1, further comprising a
plurality of exemplary tapered transition structures;
FIG. 4A is an end view of the exemplary tapered transition
structure illustrated in FIG. 3, taken along line 4A-4A;
FIG. 4B is a side view of the exemplary tapered transition
structure illustrated in FIG. 3, taken along line 4B-4B;
FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the exemplary cable
protection system illustrated in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a partially assembled perspective view of an exemplary
cable protection system according to an additional embodiment;
and
FIG. 7 is a partially assembled perspective view of an exemplary
cable protection system according to an additional embodiment.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and
descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical,
elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of
skill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments
described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular
forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a cable protection system
according to at least one embodiment. FIG. 2 is an assembled
perspective view of the exemplary cable protection system
illustrated in FIG. 1. In at least one embodiment, the exemplary
cable protection system illustrated in these figures comprises a
cable protector 10, a first side ramp 40, and a second side ramp
50.
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, in certain embodiments cable protector 10
comprises a base member 12 having a pair of opposing side walls 13.
Base member 12 may be substantially rectangular, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-2, or formed in any number of other shapes or sizes, such
as a square or other multi-sided shape. In certain embodiments,
opposing side walls 13 form a single channel extending within base
member 12 for housing one or more cables. Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, one or more vertically extending rib members
14 may longitudinally divide the length of base member 12 into a
plurality of longitudinal channels 16 for housing one or more
cables. As seen in FIG. 1, rib member 14 may be formed to have a
height that is generally coextensive with the height of the side
walls 13 of base member 12.
Advantageously, when a plurality of cables are housed within base
member 12, rib members 14 may act as barriers between the
longitudinally extending cables to minimize tangling, electrical
interference, and the like. As detailed above, numerous forms of
cables and wires may be housed within base member 12; including,
for example, data cables, hoses, electrical wiring, telephone
cables, conduits, optical fibers, pneumatic tubing, plumbing, and
any other length of material.
In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, a cover 18
may be pivotally attached to base member 12 by a hinge structure.
In this exemplary embodiment, the hinge structure may comprise a
plurality of alternately spaced hinge members 22 formed on an upper
surface of one of the side walls 13 of base member 12, and a
plurality of alternately spaced hinge members 26 formed on one side
of cover 18. In certain embodiments, hinge members 22 and 26 are
formed in a hollow, tubular shape so as to be capable of housing a
cylindrical or rod-like member, such as a hinge rod or pin.
Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 as a substantially continuous
hinge structure, this hinge structure may also be formed of any
number of hinge structures known to those of skill in the art;
including, for example, a flush hinge, a barrel hinge, a butt
hinge, or a concealed hinge.
As seen in FIG. 1, hinge members 22 may be spaced along side wall
13 of base member 12 so as to mate with an equal number of recesses
28 of similar dimension defined along the side of cover 18.
Similarly, hinge members 26 may be spaced along the side of cover
18 so as to mate with an equal number of recesses 24 of similar
dimension defined along the upper surface of side wall 13 of base
member 12. The lengths, widths and depths of recesses 24, 28 may be
defined to be slightly larger than those of hinge members 22, 26,
respectively, in order to allow hinge members 22, 26 to be easily
inserted into recesses 24, 28. When properly mated and aligned,
hinge members 22, 26 define a substantially continuous passageway
29 extending throughout the length of the aligned hinge members. In
certain embodiments, passageway 29 is defined so as to be
substantially cylindrical.
In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rod member 30 is inserted
throughout the passageway 29 defined by the aligned hinge members
22, 26 to pivotally hinge cover 18 to base member 12. Although rod
member 30 may be formed to be substantially cylindrical, rod member
30 may also be formed of any structure or shape capable of hinging
opposing structures. The various elements of hinge structure 20 may
thus enable cover 18 to freely pivot about rod member 30 as cable
protector 10 is opened and closed. When in a closed position, cover
18 may rest upon the upper surfaces of side walls 13 and/or rib
members 14 to cover channels 16 and to protect any cables housed
therein.
As seen in FIG. 1, base member 12 may also comprise one or more
connectors 32 configured to removably attach cable protector 10 to
a side of first side ramp 40. In many embodiments, connectors 32
are substantially vertically oriented; that is, they extend
generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane defined by cover
18. Although connectors 32 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as extending
generally downwards towards the ground, connectors 32 may also be
configured to extend generally up and away from the ground.
Generally speaking, connectors 32 may be formed of any number of
shapes or structures capable of interlocking with, or being
inserted into, an opposing structure; including, for example, a
substantially vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped
structure capable of interconnecting with a socket to form a
ball-and-socket joint, a cantilever configured to "snap fit" into a
complimentary recess, or the like.
In at least one embodiment, connectors 32 are configured to be
insertable into one or more apertures 46 formed in first side ramp
40. In many embodiments apertures 46 are defined within first side
ramp 40 so as to be substantially vertically oriented. According to
this exemplary embodiment, apertures 46 are defined in a general
slot shape that embodies the inverse of the dimensions of
connectors 32. Alternatively, apertures 46 may be formed of any
number of other shapes capable of receiving the various possible
configurations of connectors 32 (described in greater detail
above); including, for example, a circular socket (capable of
interlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment of connector 32), a
cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable of receiving the
substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector 32), or
the like. Connectors 32 may also be configured to snap fit into
apertures 46 defined in first side ramp 40 to removably attach
first side ramp 40 to cable protector 10.
In at least one embodiment, first side ramp 40 comprises a tapered
structure having one or more male end connectors 42 formed on one
of its ends, and one or more female end connectors 44 formed on its
opposing end. Additionally or alternatively, one or male end
connectors 42 and one or more female end connectors 44 may be
provided on the same end of first side ramp 40. Although
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as being formed in a general hourglass
shape, end connectors 42, 44 may be formed of any shape or
connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for
example, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called
tongue-and-groove connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors,
T-shaped connectors, and the like.
According to at least one embodiment, cable protector 10 is
removably attached to first side ramp 40 by: 1) elevating cable
protector 10; 2) positioning connectors 32 of cable protector 10
directly over apertures 46 defined in first side ramp 40; 3)
inserting connectors 32 into apertures 46; and 4) lowering cable
protector 10. Persons of skill the art will recognize that any
number of alternative methods and/or sequences may be used to
removably attach cable protector 10 to first side ramp 40,
particularly in light of the various possible shapes, structures,
and configurations of connectors 32 and apertures 46.
As seen in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2,
second side ramp 50 may be removably attached to a side of cable
protector 10 that opposes the side attached to first side ramp 40.
Similar to first side ramp 40, second side ramp 50 may comprise a
tapered structure having one or more male end connectors 52 and one
or more female end connectors 54 formed on its ends. Generally
speaking, end connectors 52, 54 may be formed of any shape or
connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for
example, hourglass-shaped connectors, complimentary block-shaped
connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors, so-called
tongue-and-groove connectors, T-shaped connectors, and the
like.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, second side ramp 50 may also comprise
one or more connectors 56 formed along a substantially vertical
side wall that opposes its tapered side. In many embodiments,
connectors 56 are substantially vertically oriented. Although
connectors 56 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as extending generally
downwards towards the ground, connectors 56 may also be configured
to extend generally up and away from the ground. As with connectors
32, connectors 56 may be formed of any number of shapes or
structures capable of interlocking with, or being inserted into, an
opposing structure; including, for example, a substantially
vertically extending protrusion, a ball-shaped structure capable of
interconnecting with a socket to form a ball-and-socket joint, a
cantilever configured to snap fit into a complimentary recess, or
the like.
In at least one embodiment, connectors 56 are configured to be
insertable into one or more apertures 34 formed in base member 12
of cable protector 10. In many embodiments apertures 34 are defined
within base member 12 so as to be substantially vertically
oriented; that is, apertures 34 may be defined within base member
12 so as to extend generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane
defined by cover 18. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, apertures 34 are defined in a general slot shape that
embodies the inverse of the dimensions of connectors 56.
Alternatively, as with apertures 46, apertures 34 may be formed of
any number of other shapes capable of receiving the various
possible configurations of connectors 56 (described in greater
detail above); including, for example, a circular socket (capable
of interlocking with the ball-shaped embodiment of connector 56), a
cubic or rectangular aperture or recess (capable of receiving the
substantially vertical protrusion embodiment of connector 56), or
the like. Connectors 56 may also be configured to snap fit into
apertures 34 defined in cable protector 10 to removably attach
second side ramp 50 to cable protector 10.
According to at least one embodiment, second side ramp 50 is
removably attached to cable protector 10 by: 1) elevating second
side ramp 50; 2) positioning connectors 56 of second side ramp 50
directly over apertures 34 defined in base member 12 of cable
protector 10; 3) inserting connectors 56 into apertures 34; and 4)
lowering second side ramp 50. Persons of skill the art will
recognize that any number of alternative methods and/or sequences
may be used to removably attach second side ramp 50 to cable
protector 10, particularly in light of the various possible shapes,
structures, and configurations of connectors 56 and apertures
34.
FIG. 3 is a partially assembled perspective view of the exemplary
cable protection system illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, further
comprising a plurality of exemplary tapered transition structures.
FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the exemplary cable
protection system illustrated in FIG. 3. As seen in these figures,
a plurality of cable protectors 10 may be removably attached
together in an end-to-end fashion to extend the exemplary cable
protection system across roadways or walkways of varying widths
and/or to accommodate cables of varying lengths. In addition, one
or more side ramps 60, 70 may be removably attached to these
additional cable protectors 10 in a manner similar to ramps 40, 50.
In at least one embodiment, side ramps 60, 70 are configured to
have a slope that is significantly steeper than the slope of first
and second side ramps 40, 50. Similar to first and second side
ramps 40, 50, side ramps 60, 70 may additionally comprise one or
more male end connectors 62, 72 and one or more female end
connectors 64, 74 for facilitating the end-to-end connection of one
or more ramps and/or one or more cable protectors. As with the end
connectors described in connection with previous embodiments, male
end connectors 62, 72 and/or female end connectors 64, 74 may be
formed on each opposing end of ramps 60, 70. In addition, although
illustrated in FIG. 3 as being formed in a general hourglass shape,
end connectors 62, 64, 72, and 74 may be formed of any shape or
connecting structure known to those in the art; including, for
example, complimentary block-shaped connectors, so-called
tongue-and-groove connectors, so-called dogbone-shaped connectors,
T-shaped connectors, and the like.
As seen in FIG. 3, this exemplary cable protection system may
further comprise a plurality of tapered transition structures 80,
85, 90, and 95 removably attachable to the ends of ramps 40, 50. In
at least one embodiment, tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90,
and 95 comprise one or more male end connectors 87, 97 and/or one
or more female end connectors 82, 92 to facilitate the removable
attachment of tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 to
first and second side ramps 40, 50. For example, as seen in FIGS. 3
and 5, tapered transition structure 80 may comprise one or more
female end connectors 82 configured to receive the
complimentary-shaped male end connectors 42 formed on an end of
first side ramp 40, while tapered transition structure 90 may
comprise one or more female end connectors 92 configured to receive
the complimentary-shaped male end connectors 52 formed on an end of
second side ramp 50. Similarly, tapered transition structure 85 may
comprise one or more male end connectors 87 configured to be
insertable into the complimentary-shaped female end connectors 44
defined in an end of first side ramp 40, while tapered transition
structure 95 may comprise one or more male end connectors 97
configured to be insertable into the complimentary-shaped female
end connectors 54 defined in an end of second side ramp 50.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, tapered transition structures 80,
85, 90, and 95 may taper in both a first direction and a second
direction. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A (which is an
end view of tapered transition structure 85, taken along line 4A-4A
in FIG. 3), and 4B (which is a side view of tapered transition
structure 85, taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 3), exemplary tapered
transition structure 85 may taper in both a first direction 100 and
a second direction 105. In at least one embodiment, first direction
100 is substantially orthogonal to second direction 105. In the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, tapered transition
structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 are configured to be substantially
triangular in shape.
As best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, tapered transition structure 85
may comprise a top surface 86, a bottom surface 88, and an
overlapping side portion 89. In certain embodiments, bottom surface
88 is configured to extend substantially parallel to, and rest
evenly upon, a surface (such as the ground) below structure 85.
Similarly, bottom surface 88 may be configured to be substantially
level with the bottom surfaces of cable protector 10 and ramps 40,
50. Thus, when tapered transition structure 85 is removably
attached to an end of first side ramp 40 (as illustrated in FIG.
5), the bottom surfaces of tapered structure 85 and first side ramp
40 may form a continuous, unitary bottom surface, enabling the
combined assembly to evenly rest on the surface below.
In at least one embodiment, overlapping side portion 89 is
configured to laterally overlap at least a portion of side ramps 60
and/or 70. For example, overlapping side portion 89 may be
configured to have a slope substantially equal to the slope of
ramps 60, 70, such that, when the exemplary cable protection system
is completely assembled (as illustrated in FIG. 5), overlapping
side portion 89 overlaps and evenly rests upon at least a portion
of ramp 60, with bottom surface 88 of tapered transition structure
85 evenly resting upon the surface below the assembled cable
protection system. In other words, overlapping side portion 89 may
be configured such that, when the exemplary cable protection system
is completely assembled, as illustrated in FIG. 5, all major gaps
are eliminated between both: 1) overlapping side portion 89 and
side ramp 60; and 2) bottom surface 88 of structure 85 and the
surface (such as the ground) below the assembled cable protection
system.
In at least one embodiment, top surface 86 of tapered structure 85
is configured to be substantially planar (i.e., flat or even,
though not level). In other words, as seen in FIGS. 3-5, the
entirety of tapered transition structure 85 may be configured to
evenly taper in both first direction 100 and second direction 105,
resulting in top surface 86 having a substantially flat or even
surface to provide a smooth transition from cable protector 10
and/or first side ramp 40 to the ground below.
As with tapered transition structure 85, structures 80, 90, and 95
may comprise a top surface, a bottom surface, and an overlapping
side portion. Similar to top surface 86, the top surfaces of these
structures may be configured to evenly taper in both a first
direction and a second direction, resulting in a substantially
planar surface. The bottom surfaces of these structures, as with
bottom surface 88, may be configured to extend substantially
parallel to, and rest evenly upon, a surface (such as the ground)
below the structures. In addition, the overlapping side portions of
these structures may be configured to laterally overlap at least a
portion of side ramps 60 and/or 70.
Generally speaking, exemplary tapered transition structures 80, 85,
90, and 95 effectively eliminate the need for conventional side
ramps by providing a gradual transition between drop-offs present
along the edges of conventional cable protection systems.
Specifically, when the exemplary cable protection system is fully
assembled (as illustrated in FIG. 5), tapered transition structures
80, 85, 90, and 95 simultaneously provide a smooth and gradual
transition between: 1) the ends of ramps 40, 50 and the surface
below the cable protection system; 2) the sides of cable protectors
10 and the surface below the cable protection system; and 3) the
ends of ramps 40, 50 and the top surfaces of ramps 60, 70.
Wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and the like may thus approach and
cross over the assembled cable protection system from a wide range
of directions and angles without fear of falling off the edge of
the ramp or cable protector and without fear of running into
vertically extending protrusions, such as conventional side rails.
Tapered transition structures 80, 85, 90, and 95 thus simply and
safely eliminate the need for conventional side rails.
Although the various elements of the exemplary cable protection
systems illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 have been described and
illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, persons of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each element in this
exemplary system may be formed in any number of suitable shapes and
sizes. In particular, although tapered transition structures 80,
85, 90, and 95 have been described and illustrated herein as being
substantially triangular in shape, these transition structures may
be formed in any number of other suitable shapes and sizes, such as
a square, rectangle, semicircle, or the like. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 6, in at least one embodiment tapered
transition structures 180, 185, 190, and 195 may comprise at least
one rounded end. Tapered transition structures 180, 185, 190, and
195 and ramps 140, 150, 160, and 170 may also be modified to have a
more gradual or less gradual slope, as desired.
Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the elements
described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1-6 may be
integrally formed with, as opposed to being removably attached to,
one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, tapered
transition structures 280 and 285 may be integrally formed with
first side ramp 240, as opposed to being removably attachable
thereto (as with tapered transition structures 80 and 85
illustrated in FIGS. 3-5). Similarly, tapered transition structures
290 and 295 may be integrally formed with second side ramp 250, as
opposed to being removably attachable thereto (as with tapered
transition structures 90 and 95 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5). One or
more of ramps 240, 250, 260, and 270 may also be integrally formed
with, as opposed to being removably attachable to, cable protectors
210.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the exemplary
cable protection systems illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may be adapted to
house any number of cables and/or to extend over roadways and
walkways of varying lengths. For example, any number of cable
protectors in these exemplary systems may be removably attached
together in a side-by-side fashion so as to house greater or lesser
numbers of cables. Specifically, connectors formed on the side of a
first cable protector may be removably inserted into apertures
defined in the side of a second cable protector to removably attach
the two cable protectors together in a side-by-side fashion.
Additional cable protectors may be attached to either side of this
assembly to increase the cable-housing capacity of the system as
needed.
Similarly, any number of cable protectors in this exemplary system
may be removably attached together in an end-to-end fashion to
extend the exemplary cable protection system across roadways or
walkways of varying widths. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
one or more cable protectors 10 may be removably attached together
in an end-to-end fashion by one or more ramps 60, 70. Additionally
or alternatively, cable protectors 10 may be removably attached
together in an end-to-end fashion using one or more end connectors
provided on opposing ends of the cable protectors 10. As will be
appreciated by those of skill in the art, mixing and matching the
various "building blocks" of these exemplary cable protection
systems in this manner enables a user to form a system capable of
housing any number of cables and/or extending over roadways and
walkways of varying lengths. The flexibility of the system as a
whole is thus increased, resulting in greater ease of use and
interchangeability of parts.
Although the various cable protectors embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1-7 show a cover structure pivotally attached to a base
member, various alternative arrangements and configurations fall
within the scope of the instant disclosure. For example, the cover
structure may be snap fit or otherwise removably attached to the
base member. Alternatively, the cable protector may comprise a
unitary base member/cover structure having an open base defining a
single channel for covering one or more cables.
In addition, although the various cable protector embodiments
illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 have been described as having one or more
connectors formed on a first side of the base member and one or
more apertures formed on an opposing side of the base member,
various alternative arrangements and configurations fall within the
scope of the instant disclosure. For example, the base members may
be formed with connectors on both sides, or may have apertures
defined in each of its sides. Similarly, the base members may be
formed such that a connector is formed on the same side as an
aperture.
The elements of the exemplary cable protection systems illustrated
in FIGS. 1-7, such as the cable protectors, side ramps, and tapered
transition structures illustrated in these figures, may be formed
of any number or combination of suitable materials. For example,
the elements of these exemplary cable protection systems may be
molded of a rigid, high-strength plastic material capable of
withstanding repeated loadings and stresses. Alternatively or
additionally, these elements may be formed of various metallic
elements, such as steel or iron. In addition, metal or plastic
plating or gripping may be formed on the upper surfaces of one or
more of these elements, as illustrated in FIG. 1, to improve the
traction of pedestrians or vehicles traveling over the cable
protection system.
In addition, the various elements of the exemplary cable protection
systems illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 may be of any color or opacity.
For example, in at least one embodiment the various elements in
these cable protection systems may be brightly or fluorescently
colored to increase the conspicuousness of the system. Additionally
or alternatively, the elements in these systems may be formed of a
generally or substantially transparent material and illuminated by
white or colored light sources to increase the visibility of the
system. Generally speaking, coloring or illuminating the various
elements of these cable protection system in this manner helps
decrease the likelihood of injuries to pedestrians or other
motorists due to their failure to notice the cable protection
system extended over walkways or roadways.
The preceding description has been provided to enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary
embodiments described herein. This exemplary description is not
intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to any precise form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure. For
example, one or more elements of the exemplary cable protection
systems described or illustrated herein may be modified as
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,099, filed 31
Oct. 2005, and entitled "Cable Protection System," the entirety of
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
It is desired that the embodiments described herein be considered
in all respects illustrative and not restrictive and that reference
be made to the appended claims and their equivalents for
determining the scope of the instant disclosure. In addition, for
ease of use, the words "including" and "having," as used in the
specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the
same meaning as the word "comprising."
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